Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier says ensuring that producers selling food products labelled organic are now required to be certified is good for consumers.
Carlier was in the county on Thursday, visiting with producers and touring the Olds Farmers’ Market.
The Supporting Alberta’s Local Food Sector Act (Bill 7) recently passed into law. Its legislation brings the province into line with other jurisdictions in requiring organic food producers to be certified.
“It brings us into line with federal regulations,” said Carlier.
The legislation also establishes a provincial local food council that will provide the government with input on ways to improve the industry.
Carlier said passage of the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act (Bill 6) is good news for Alberta producers.
“It is going to make the family farm safer,” he said. “It was a long process and there was some heavy lifting, but we are absolutely pleased with the legislation.”
The legislation brings non-family workers under Occupational Health and Safety rules.
Some farmers and ranchers, as well as the Opposition UCP, opposed Bill 6, calling it an attack on the family farm.
